Hawkeye E-2C

Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

This scratch build is based off the FT Cruiser http://flitetest.com/articles/flitetest-ft-cruiser-plans-and-build-video-flyrc from Flitetest inspired me to create a project with my own twist.

I built the FT Cruiser wing, fuselage and and powerpods almost exaclty from the plans.  I used the same size for the tail wing just making it more square and instead of the single vertical stabilizer.   I then added them to make them look like a Hawkeye.

Instead of installing the wing through the fuselage, I took note of the same position but mounted the wing with glue to the top of the FT Cruiser fuselage deck.  This made my plane now a top wing.  If you look at the very front nose of the plane, you can still see it is the FT Cruiser.

I ended up building my plane to run off 1 battery, thus followed Flitetest's method of wiring my plane to use one battery running from the fuselage.  As you can see, it tucks in nicely under under the wing.  By moving the wing to the top, there is plenty of room for even larger mAh batteries to help increase flight time from the twin motor drain.  On my 3S 2200 mAh, I can get between 3-4 minutes of flight time.

I just bumped up my cockpit area and it holds in place by tucking it under the posterboard on the front of the nose.  A couple of magnets on the back holds it firmly in place.

A couple of paper plates glued together made for a great radar dome.  I mounted it after I fitted the posterboard creating the finishing touches to the fuselage.  It also helped to make the flow look right with the wing now mounted on top.

You can again follow Flitetest's wheel mounting for the FT Cruiser but you will need to extend the wires for the landing gear as the wing is now higher on the plane.  I used coat hanger and bent them to fit under the power pods.

There is no rudder on this plane.  I am running only an elevator and the ailerons.  The plane flies and handles in the air perfectly.

I even painted the gold APC 8x6 props giving the plane a bit more authentic look.

Specs:

- FT Cruiser with modifications

- Made with 3 sheets of foam board, 2 paper plates, etc

- 2 - D2826-10 1400kv Turnigy motors 

- 8x6e APC style prop (I painted)

- 2 - 40 amp Hobby King ESC

- 2200mAh 3S battery

Conclusion:

I have found that the coat hangers for landing gear is a bit soft of a medal.  I would use a stonger wire the next time; although, this does teach you to make softer landings to keep the wheel from just bending under the plane.  

In the end, this plane is very forgiving, with the wing mounted high and a bit of dihedral, makes it very stable in the air.  And, I think it looks great.